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One day, Xu Ying woke...
Chapter 121
While Xu Ying was busy attending meetings in Beijing to discuss the production of the animated series "Qin Shi Huang," Lin Zhongxu was also busy in Shanghai.
He was looking at the script in his hand.
The novel, titled "Journey to the West," was given to him by Xu Ying before she left. She specifically instructed him to read it carefully and then find a suitable actor.
She also said that the characters in this drama are numerous and varied, which would probably require him to put in a lot of effort.
He didn't think much of it at the time.
The Ming Dynasty, a male-centric drama about the founding of a dynasty, involves a large and diverse cast of characters, yet their team still managed to complete the task perfectly.
It wasn't until he finished reading the entire script that he finally understood the meaning behind Sister Xiaoying's solemn gaze.
He was deeply moved by the story of the four travelers on their journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures, but what he loved even more was undoubtedly the monkey that sprang from the crack in the rock.
How brave and fearless he was! From a stone monkey who knew nothing, to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven who wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace, and finally to the Victorious Fighting Buddha who obtained the sacred scriptures after enduring eighty-one tribulations...
The story was so captivating that when he finally got through to Xu Ying on the phone, he suddenly didn't know where to begin. All his thoughts boiled down to just one sentence.
When are you coming back?
"I've finished watching 'Journey to the West'," Xu Ying said as she came out of a meeting with the animation team. She almost instantly guessed why Lin Zhongxu had called.
"Yes, Sister Xiaoying, I'll choose the actors carefully..."
The script in my hands felt incredibly heavy at that moment.
Anyone who has read "Journey to the West" knows how mature and perfect this magnificent masterpiece is. If this work could be presented on the screen, there is no doubt that the director and screenwriter would be remembered in film history.
Xiao Ying gave herself the opportunity to leave her mark.
"I will definitely not let you down."
He was moved, and his tone unconsciously became a little affectionate.
"Now you know I wasn't lying, right? There are so many characters in 'Journey to the West,' and I can't leave here right now. You can take your time looking at the actors, and we'll decide together when I get back..."
*
The viewership ratings for "Cang Sheng Du" peaked when Qing Lan pierced Xuan Heng's heart with her sword, thus beginning the love story between the two across three lifetimes.
The TV drama begins to flashback to the past of the two.
In their first life, one was a prince of the victorious nation, and the other was a princess of the defeated nation.
The princess changed her appearance and concealed her identity to infiltrate the prince's side and seek revenge. However, she fell in love with the prince during the process of revenge. With family feuds and national hatred intertwined, the two could only perish together in the end.
In their second life, one was a highly virtuous monk, and the other was a mischievous demoness.
The high monk was seriously injured and fell off a cliff while subduing a demon. He was rescued by the demoness. Out of gratitude for her life-saving grace and love, he ultimately risked his own life to protect her.
This is my third incarnation.
In this life, one is the eldest disciple of a celestial sect, and the other, having experienced countless vicissitudes, has become the leader of the demon race. A deep-seated blood feud still exists between humans and demons...
This dramatic and poignant love story captivated the audience.
-The story of my past life was so heartbreaking...
- A love story spanning three lifetimes, so romantic and full of destiny.
-The story of the prince and princess is so sweet! I wish the author could expand this story into a complete book. There seems to be so much to write about.
-Who can argue with that? Their story brought tears to my eyes.
-I still prefer the story of Zhaoyue and her master. Isn't a master-disciple romance exciting? Hehehe!
...
While netizens focus on the plot itself, the staff at Jiaoyang TV responsible for recording the shifts place even greater emphasis on the viewership ratings generated by the plot.
"The viewership rating has broken 5..."
The staff member stared at the numbers on the computer screen, muttering to himself with an expression of disbelief.
Now that the series "Cang Sheng Du" is only halfway through, he knows very well what it means for the ratings to break 5 at this time. It means that the myth of breaking 6 ratings is about to be repeated on their Jiaoyang TV.
Hahahaha!
He couldn't help but laugh out loud.
With Channel 8 of Zhongyu now having "The Great Ming Dynasty" and Star TV having "The Legend of Cao Dingzhi," from now on, their TV station also has a comparable show, "Cang Sheng Du"!
etc.
"The Great Ming Dynasty", "The Great Biography of Cao Dingzhi", and "Crossing the Rivers" seem to share a common characteristic: they are all works by Er Yuetian.
February Sky is truly a terrifying woman. Getting February Sky guarantees high ratings; that's the truth!
The staff member understood.
However, he wasn't the only one who realized it; other television stations realized it too.
As a result, "Cang Sheng Du" became a hit, and Xu Ying's phone was bombarded with calls. She was busy with meetings every day and had no time to deal with various TV stations and media outlets that wanted to interview her, so she could only turn off her phone.
*
The hit drama "Cang Sheng Du" has sparked a new wave of binge-watching frenzy online, while rumors are circulating within the entertainment industry that a new script may have been released in February.
"Quickly find someone to inquire. If the news is true, we must act immediately and not miss this opportunity!"
Countless similar conversations have taken place.
These days, everyone knows that starring in a February script is like taking a shortcut to heaven, instantly transforming an unknown into a top celebrity.
After nearly a month of rumors circulating within the industry, February Sky finally gave an official confirmation that they would be conducting a large-scale casting call in the entertainment industry.
!
One stone stirs up a thousand waves.
The news caused a stir both inside and outside the industry. Those inside were excited by this windfall, while those outside were moved by the work ethic shown by February's model worker.
- What a diligent screenwriter! "Cang Sheng Du" hasn't even finished airing yet, and the casting for the next drama is already underway.
- You must be typing away at home until sparks fly, hahaha!
Look at my Zihan, his acting is really good...
Hoping to become famous overnight, countless people sent their resumes to the February Sky Studio's email address. When the staff was responsible for the initial screening, they found that there were not only celebrities in the industry, but also many internet celebrities and ordinary people.
"Our boss is really popular!"
"It would be strange if it wasn't popular. What would normally take ten years can be accomplished in three months just by acting in our boss's drama. Would you do it?"
"Yes, of course we'll do it!!!"
Only a fool wouldn't do it.
Xu Ying spent a long time working with the animation team in Beijing, and only after they understood her needs did she manage to take some time to return to Shanghai.
She entrusted the casting of "Journey to the West" to Lin Zhongxu, but Lin Zhongxu kept urging her to come back every few days to discuss it together, so she had no choice but to hurriedly put down the project in Beijing and go back.
"Sister Xiaoying, you're finally back! There were so many resumes, my eyes are blurry from looking at them all..."
Lin Zhongxu already has several preferred candidates for the lead role.
However, some of these candidates did not submit their resumes, so he wanted to discuss it with Xu Ying in person. If they agreed, he would formally extend a cooperation invitation.
"Look, this is the actor I've chosen for Sun Wukong. His family has been masters of monkey opera for three generations, and You Shijia is the fourth-generation successor. He's only twenty-one this year, and I think he's the perfect choice to play Sun Wukong..."
Lin Zhongxu found You Shijia's personal profile online and explained the man's past experiences to Xu Ying.
Xu Ying was pleasantly surprised. Listening to Lin Zhongxu's description, You Shijia's experience was very similar to that of Liu Xiaoling Tong, the actor who played Sun Wukong in her previous life. He was simply the perfect actor in her mind.
"Where did you find such a person?" Xu Ying looked through the entries on the computer one by one and found that You Shijia was quite good-looking. If he dressed up as a monkey, he would probably be very likable. She was even more satisfied.
Lin Zhongxu smiled and said, "Sun Wukong is my favorite character right now, so I have to put in a lot of effort to cast him!"
In the month since receiving the script for "Journey to the West", he has almost gone through every celebrity in the entertainment industry.
Not just the entertainment industry, but also the drama, theater, dance... he thoroughly investigated every professional even remotely related to the entertainment industry.
He flipped through the pages, and this Yu Shijia satisfied him in every way.
Ironically, the person he was most satisfied with hadn't sent him any resume, so if he wanted to talk to them, he would have to contact them separately.
Therefore, he had to be more cautious, which is why he called Xu Ying back in advance.
“I also think he’s a great guy. I can try contacting him and see if I can win him over.”
The subject matter of "Journey to the West" is still a secret. You Shijia doesn't know the subject matter or the species of the main characters, so it's normal that he has no intention of participating.
*
The ratings frenzy surrounding "Cang Sheng Du" continues.
This viewing frenzy not only swept across the country, but also had a similarly wild run overseas.
Recently, many foreign IPs have suddenly appeared on TK short video and Dayan. These IPs are especially active in the topics and video clips related to "Cang Sheng Du". Many foreign bloggers have even personally recommended the show.
Is this show that popular overseas?
The huge success of "Cang Sheng Du" in China was expected by many, after all, Er Yue Tian's productions have always been known for their high quality, and any drama she stars in is bound to have good ratings.
However, the trends in overseas and domestic markets are different.
It's hard for many people to imagine that the drama "Cang Sheng Du" could adapt to foreign environments and become a huge hit abroad.
Marketing accounts are always the most astute. Upon noticing the global popularity of "Cang Sheng Du," various marketing accounts immediately followed the trend and published articles praising it.
Netizens are also incredibly proud of the show's successful overseas release.
Only those within the circle remained silent.
Many people are now filled with regret, realizing they were once on the shortlist for acting roles and wondering why they didn't try harder back then.
Look at the actors who are now participating in "Cang Sheng Du" (Cang Sheng Du), which one of them hasn't gained international fame?
Not to mention A-list actresses like Tang Ningshuang and Kong Xiaoxiao who already had established positions in the industry, even those supporting actors who were originally unknown have suddenly become famous internationally.
A meteoric rise.
Just by starring in "Cang Sheng Du," one can become an overnight sensation. Who wouldn't be envious of such a huge windfall?!
Unfortunately, they were destined to miss out on such a fast track as "Cang Sheng Du".
However, they still have a chance with "Journey to the West". Er Yue Tian has been busy with the casting for "Journey to the West" recently, and they are determined to squeeze in this time, even if it means trying to get a role.
With many actors thinking this way, resumes flooded into the February Sky Studio's inbox once again.